The Smokeless Stove project is funded by KFI’s “Fund a Need” basket of funds. In the 2022-23 academic year, the NHS has undertaken the continuation of the Smokeless Stove Project. The smokeless stove initiative aims to offer a cost-effective and wholesome substitute for the conventional wood burning stoves used in households in the rural villages near Kodaikanal. The conventional stoves used in these settlements do not have an exit channel for the smoke to pass out of, as a result, smoke fills the space, making it an unsafe environment to live in.
The Smokeless Stove Project has made significant progress. Each week a group of four students has gone to one home to install the smokeless stove. As of the latest update, a total of 22 smokeless stoves have been successfully installed in households within the local villages in and around Kodaikanal. Each and every member of the NHS which includes 34 students has been involved in the installation of at least 1 smokeless stove.
In 2022-23 we have installed a smokeless stove in 22 households. A few of these households resided in the villages of Shenbaganur, St. Mary’s road, Vilpatti and Naidupuram. The installation of these 22 smokeless stoves in 22 houses has directly benefited the individuals and families. It has improved the quality of life for individuals and families by providing them with access to cleaner and safer cooking environments, and potentially enabling socio-economic development.
The NHS has effectively utilized the majority of the received funds during the installation of the smokeless stoves. It is important to note that the travel expenses for the stove installations have been covered by the funds raised by the NHS through various fundraising activities, such as the NHS Talent Show, Field Day Booths, and the Golden KIS.